What is Distance Learning?
What is Distance Learning?
Distance Learning is a student centered instructional format that allows you to take courses without having to commit to regular campus attendance. All Ashland University Distance Learning credit courses are accredited. The course objectives of a Distance Learning course are the same as for the on-campus course, the difference being the type of delivery means or technology that allows you to communicate synchronously in real time and through other asynchronous online delivery formats.
Ashland offers several options in its Distance Learning program:
- Video Conferencing Distance Learning (VC): Live, interactive video conferencing done in a traditional classroom setting from one campus to another.
- Web-Based (WEB): At least 70% of the course is delivered entirely via the web. Most undergraduate and some graduate web-based courses require face-to-face meetings at a specific center, or live, interactive web conferencing. Contact the course instructor for details.
- Web-Conferencing (WCF): Live, interactive web conferencing done via web. May require presence at a center. Contact the course instructor for details.
- Web-Enhanced (WEN): Predominantly an on-site or on-campus course that has an on-line component. (up to 70%). Contact the course instructor for details.
Why Distance Learning?
Distance Learning allows you to take accredited Ashland courses from home or any location, at your convenience. Many students appreciate the flexible scheduling and convenience of not having to travel to campus on a regular basis. This is ideal for those with demanding work schedules, family responsibilities, and those who cannot travel to campus due to transportation, scheduling conflicts, or physical challenges.
In addition, some students prefer the independence and convenience of Distance Learning courses. Distance Learning courses give students greater flexibility in course scheduling and students find that they have greater control over the learning process and are able to customize their course time and work in a way that best suits their specific schedule.
All Learning Formats Share the Following Characteristics:
Registration procedures are the same as for on-campus courses. The costs also are the same, with the exception of a $25 fee per credit hour for Seminary courses. Register early, as many courses fill quickly, especially Web-based courses.
Educational materials such as textbooks, course packets, and other supplies may be purchased from the Ashland University Bookstore on the main campus. Columbus Center students may purchase their materials from the Ashland University Bookstore in the Columbus Center. For a nominal fee, materials may be mailed directly to your home or business. You may submit your book order by fax to 419-289-5925, by phone to 419-289-5336, or online to our web site at www.ashlandbookstore.com. Textbooks information is made available on the web site approximately two weeks before the start of the term.
Books and materials for Seminary courses may be ordered from the Seminary Bookstore by phone at 419-289-5861, by fax at 419-289-5969, or online at www.ashlandbookstore.com.
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I am an international graduate student. I am taking online classes. Since I got sick and needed an operation, I went back to Taiwan last month. It was wonderful for me to participate the class from distance. By using Live Classroom in my EDCI537 WebCT, I could join the class from home. It was very interesting. The quality was excellent. The signal and the voice from Dr. Wronkovich and all my classmates was pretty clear, and never lagged during the whole lesson. I have another two web-based classes. I love these classes also because the Professor is really wonderful.
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Teaching in the distance learning environment has improved so markedly in the past three years that the process has become quite impressive. Tools like WebCT and the Wimba Live Classroom allow you as an instructor to work individually and in groups with your students in much the same manner that you do in a face-to-face meeting. But the key advantage is your ability to have a greater window for participation than the traditional weekly class meeting. Through discussion boards and live help sessions, you can allow your students to have a great deal of flexibility in completing the work while permitting you as the instructor to work directly with those students who need the most individual help. My experience with web based distance learning has been extremely positive. ~ Professor Michael Wronkovich |
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